Men’s Screening Tests

Check the guidelines listed here to find out about important screening tests for men. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Your doctor or nurse will personalize the timing of the screening tests you need based on many factors. Ask your doctor or nurse if you don’t understand why a certain test is recommended for you. Check with your insurance plan to find out which tests are covered.

Where do these guidelines come from?

The screening guidelines listed here are recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The USPSTF is a group of non-Federal experts in prevention (stopping disease before it starts). USPSTF recommendations are evidence-based. This means that science supports USPSTF screening guidelines. The USPSTF is made up of primary care providers (such as internists, pediatricians, family physicians, gynecologists/obstetricians, nurses, and health behavior specialists).

Screening tests	Ages 18–39	Ages 40–49	Ages 50–64	Ages 65 and older
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening				Get this one-time screening if you are age 65 to 75 and have ever smoked.
Blood pressure test	Get tested at least every 2 years if you have normal blood pressure (lower than 120/80).Get tested once a year if you have blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89. Discuss treatment with your doctor or nurse if you have blood pressure 140/90 or higher.	Get tested at least every 2 years if you have normal blood pressure (lower than 120/80).Get tested once a year if you have blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89. Discuss treatment with your doctor or nurse if you have blood pressure 140/90 or higher.	Get tested at least every 2 years if you have normal blood pressure (lower than 120/80).Get tested once a year if you have blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89. Discuss treatment with your doctor or nurse if you have blood pressure 140/90 or higher.	Get tested at least every 2 years if you have normal blood pressure (lower than 120/80).Get tested once a year if you have blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89. Discuss treatment with your doctor or nurse if you have blood pressure 140/90 or higher.
Cholesterol test	Starting at age 20 until age 35, get a cholesterol test if you are at increased risk for heart disease.Starting at age 35 and older, get a cholesterol test regularly. Ask your doctor or nurse how often you need your cholesterol tested.	Get a cholesterol test regularly.Ask your doctor or nurse how often you need your cholesterol tested.	Get a cholesterol test regularly.Ask your doctor or nurse how often you need your cholesterol tested.	Get a cholesterol test regularly.Ask your doctor or nurse how often you need your cholesterol tested.
Colorectal cancer screening (using fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy)			Starting at age 50, get screened for colorectal cancer.Talk to your doctor or nurse about which screening test is best for you and how often you need it.	Get screened for colorectal cancer through age 75.Talk to your doctor or nurse about which screening test is best for you and how often you need it.
Diabetes screening	Get screened for diabetes if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medicine for high blood pressure.	Get screened for diabetes if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medicine for high blood pressure.	Get screened for diabetes if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medicine for high blood pressure.	Get screened for diabetes if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medicine for high blood pressure.
HIV test	Get tested if you are at increased risk for HIV.Discuss your risk with your doctor or nurse.	Get tested if you are at increased risk for HIV.Discuss your risk with your doctor or nurse.	Get tested if you are at increased risk for HIV.Discuss your risk with your doctor or nurse.	Get tested if you are at increased risk for HIV.Discuss your risk with your doctor or nurse.
Syphilis screening	Get tested for syphilis if you are at increased risk.	Get tested for syphilis if you are at increased risk.	Get tested for syphilis if you are at increased risk.	Get tested for syphilis if you are at increased risk.